A Daylong Retreat Honoring Family Support Specialists

In May, 170 caregivers gathered in Dover for the Home Visitors Retreat. Organized by the Home Visiting Community Advisory Board, the Family Health Systems Section of the Division of Public Health, and the Department of Education, this retreat celebrated Delaware’s free statewide Home Visiting Program for pregnant women and families with children up to age 5. The program includes the Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families Delaware, Parents as Teachers, and Early Head Start. This year’s theme was “Caring for the Community While Taking Care of You,” highlighting the importance of self-care, wellness, and resilience.

In 2023, the Home Visiting Program conducted over 13,000 visits, supporting 1,400 families and 1,300 children. This success stems from a collaborative approach that promotes equitable, research-informed programs. Family Support Specialists build trusted relationships with families to offer tailored services, create safer environments for children, and connect parents with community resources.

Lieutenant Governor Bethany A. Hall-Long addressed the attendees virtually, praising their outstanding work in supporting families. She acknowledged the challenges caregivers face when dealing with issues like poverty, food and housing insecurity, substance use disorder, and mental illness. She emphasized the need for both families and caregivers to be well physically and mentally to ensure a healthy community.

The retreat featured local and national speakers on topics of resilience, wellness, self-care, infant and early childhood mental health, and understanding autism. Josette D. Manning, cabinet secretary of Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services, reminded caregivers of the importance of self-care, stating, “It is imperative to acknowledge when it’s time to take care of ourselves so that we can do better when we serve the families that we care for. The better off we are as caregivers, the better we can help the Delaware children and families who need our support.”

For information on events and more, visit DEThrives.com/HomeVisiting.